Betty Hilzinger

Mrs. Betty L. Hilzinger, age 87, formerly of Berkley and Holly, passed away late Friday evening, October 8, 2010 at Crystal Springs Peace Harbor in Grand Rapids. The daughter of Frank W. & Elsie M. (Hansen) Irons, she was born on Feb. 12, 1923 in Detroit and grew up in Berkley, where her father was chief of police and later Oakland County sheriff. Following her graduation from Berkley High School, Betty completed her nurses training at Mt. Carmel and worked as a registered nurse. On April 21, 1945 she married Phillip G. Hilzinger and together they enjoyed 63 years of marriage. A devoted wife, mother, and grandmother, she had been a member of the Berkley Chapter of the Order of the Eastern Star. In retirement, she and Phillip made their home in Holly. She was preceded in death by her husband, Phillip G. Hilzinger; a son, Phillip G. Hilzinger, Jr.; a son-in-law, Jim Ford; a grandson, Joshua Hilzinger; and a brother, Jim Irons. Surviving are a daughter, Gail A. Ford of Greenville; a son, Robert F. & Kathy Hilzinger of Knoxville, Tennessee; five grandchildren, Jack Ford of Greenville, Erin & Sam Baldwin, Kami Ford, all of Grand Rapids, Nathanael Hilzinger, and Krista Hilzinger, both of Knoxville, Tennessee; and three great grandchildren, Jordan, Jenna, and Jake. Honoring her wishes, private family services will be held at Oakview Cemetery & Mausoleum in Royal Oak. Contributions in Bettys memory may be directed to the Michigan Special Olympics (www.somi.org) or to the charity of ones choice. To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Betty Hilzinger, please visit our flower store.